Mathew Barzal #13 of the Islanders skates with the puck against the Edmonton Oilers at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2019. Photo Credit: Jim McIsaac
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Of course, Mathew Barzal was aware of the Devils locking up Nico Hischier, the first overall pick in 2017, with a seven-year, $50.75 million deal on Friday. It’s just human nature for one impending restricted free agent to take notice of another agreeing to a lucrative extension.
The Islanders’ top-line center, represented by CAA’s Pat Brisson, will be an RFA without arbitration rights come July 1.